BC Events on Genetically Engineered Trees, Oct 21 and 22, 2015

The Growing Threat: Genetically engineered trees and the future of our forests

A speakers tour across the Pacific Northwest will now conclude with events in Vancouver and Victoria. BC on Oct 21 and Oct 22.

The events will feature international expert on the environmental risks of genetically engineered trees Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher of the group EcoNexus in the UK. Dr. Steinbrecher will be accompanied by US activists Ruddy Turnstone of the Global Justice Ecology Project and Mark Des Marets, co-founder of Northwest Resistance Against Genetic Engineering.

Genetically engineered (GE, also called genetically modified) trees threaten the biodiversity of native forests, are false solutions to the climate change crisis, and can have unpredictable and irreversible consequences. The Pacific Northwest is key as it hosts some of the leading global research on GE trees. This includes research on GE poplar trees conducted at the University of British Columbia. The first GM fruit tree in Canada – a GM non-browning apple – was also approved and planted this year. Join us to discuss the dangers of GE trees.

Events organized by the Global Justice Ecology Project, Northwest Resistance Against Genetic Engineering, the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), the Society for a GE Free BC, and the UVic Environmental Studies Student Association.

For more information: Lucy Sharratt, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, cell 613-809-1103 or coordinator@cban.ca